Finding your Artistic Voice with Fine Art Photographer Shannon Squires

Shannon and I explore how to niche down as a fine art photographer, and stay true to your artistic vision while still servicing a client market.Introduction (4:32)How do you define a fine art photographer? (5:38)When you have full control over the creative process and vision, and your clients trust you to create a piece of art.How long does it take you to edit each piece? (6:41)Composite pieces can be 8-15 hours. My studio fine art edits are typically 60-90 minutes.How do you balance wanting to create fine art while still having lots of clients? (7:17)When you show your fine art pieces, that is what clients will expect.Where did you find your love of photography? (10:40)I went to art school and was into fashion photography. I eventually specialized in child and family photography, and I started doing model shoots for children’s boutiques. How did you strip away everything else to just niche? (15:42)I only posted images that I wanted clients to book me for. Then they hire me specifically because I’m a fine art photographer.What is your process when you have a new idea? (18:45)I have a sketchbook where I write and sketch my ideas. Sometimes they sit there for hours, or for years!Do you always know where you’re going to take your images? (19:51)Yes, when I take a photo, I’m already pre-editing it! How do you find your artistic voice? (21:23)Stay authentic to who you are. Trends will come and go, and if you follow them all, you will always blend in and never stand out.How do your Imagination Sessions work? (25:54)I talk to clients about their story and their reason behind their art piece. I photograph all the images I need for the composite in an hour with them. My flat fee includes a 16x24 print. I don’t sell the digital files for composites.How does styling, light and location play into the end product? (31:45)They are the pillars of what I do. My clients trust my vision, and that starts with my client closet. I’m obviously fully in control of light and location.About print competitions (32:56)It’s a way to motivate me to great, and an incentive to show my clients that I’m a true fine art photographer. The feedback from many reputable competitions teaches me to fine-tune my images.What would be your dream shoot? (36:36)Probably somewhere in Italy or Greece, with fabulous dresses, perhaps with real animals.Where do find inspiration when you’re stuck in a rut? (37:37)I push myself to keep going. I also enrol in masterclasses and listen to the stories of other creatives outside my genre.What do wish you knew starting out? (40:08)More about business. I didn’t know my CODB when I started.Speed round! (42:55)What are you artistically curious about? (44:36)Underwater photographyDiscover more about Shannon SquiresWebsite:  https://www.shannonsquiresphotography.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonsquiresphotoInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shannonsquiresphotographyBio: Shannon grew up in a small town in Nevada. From a young age art was always something she enjoyed, and she would spend hours drawing or creating art in some form.  As her love for photography grew, as did her portfolio, which she submitted to The Art Institute of Seattle. Which earned her a scholarship. After 2.5 years in Seattle, she graduated with an associate degree in commercial photography.  Shannon loves to teach and share her long journey with peers, and can be found teaching both online and in-person around the country through various other forums.

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Welcome to the Art and Soul Show where we dive heart-opening chats on photography, business, life and that messy in-between. You're more than a photographer. You're an artist, a dreamer, a business boss, and a creative. Listen in for conversations and advice on running a photography business, mindset, and creativity. This is the place you can go when you need a boost of encouragement, a kick in the pants, and inspiration to pick up your camera.